31 Must-Have Items For Your Home Emergency Kit

It can be hard to imagine several days (or weeks) without power, internet or running water. But in the event of an emergency, anything can happen. That’s why your family should have an emergency plan and supplies ready for any type of disaster.

Depending on where you live, a disaster could mean heavy snow, flooding, a tornado, or a hurricane. So make your plan personal – no matter what the weather is like in your area, a little preparedness can go a long way.

What To Have In A Home Emergency Kit

According to Ready.gov, a good rule of thumb is to have enough food, water, and essential supplies on hand for 72 hours in case you need to evacuate. If it’s likely that you’ll shelter in place, the Red Cross recommends a 2-week supply.

Here’s the good news: You can buy a pre-made kit from a number of retailers online, but it’s also likely that you have many of these items lying around your house already. Grab a large, portable, watertight container to start stashing things away. Start building your kit with the essentials first, and then move on to the “nice-to-haves.”

The Basics

Water (one gallon per person, per day)

Non-perishable food

Flashlight

Extra batteries

Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio

First aid kit and/or trauma kit

Cash and change (in a waterproof container)

Manual can opener

Flares or whistle to signal for help

Dust masks for contaminated air

Wrench, pliers, and other tools (to turn off utilities)

Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place (if you are stuck at home, work, or elsewhere)

We’ve got your back

Uncertainty is part of life, but anxiety doesn’t have to rule your roost. At ERIE, we want to help you feel confident that your home insurance will go the distance if disaster strikes.

Remember: It’s important to protect your home with the right insurance well in advance of any looming forecast. In most places, state regulations prohibit anyone from purchasing a new insurance policy or changing their current coverage at the last minute when catastrophic weather, like a hurricane or severe flooding, is about to strike.
So, while you’re in planning mode: See how our home insurance measures up (and request a free quote) – or talk to your local ERIE agent to answer your questions and design a policy that’s just the right fit for you.

This story was originally published in 2018.

A better insurance experience starts with ERIE.

Haven’t heard of us? Erie Insurance started with humble beginnings in 1925 with a mission to emphasize customer service above all else. Though we’ve grown to reach the Fortune 500 list, we still haven’t lost the human touch.